South Korea is entering the NATO defense market with aplomb. Its groundbreaking deal with Poland for tanks, howitzers and light combat aircraft may exceed $15 billion — Seoul’s biggest arms deal in history.

Other Central European countries will closely monitor the implementation of the ROK-Poland deal, viewing South Korea as a potential partner in their own military modernization efforts, especially in the light of Russia’s aggressive land grab this year. 

The size and scope of the deal are impressive. According to the framework agreement, published by the Polish Armaments Agency, Poland will purchase 1,000 Hyundai Rotem K2 Black Panther